When I was asked to write for this paper some years ago, I expressed my belief that “every article should have what they used to call a ‘point.’”
“Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17) He was gracious in what He said, but people never got the idea that He was just passing the time of day.
One of the roles of biblical prophets was to address the present needs of their society, and tell people how God was evaluating them.
So I feel compelled, as one of God’s local reps, to address a current issue sweeping our country—the divide over America’s little ally, Israel.
I say “little” because many who suggest the Israelis ought to give up a substantial chunk of their land for peace need to know that Israel is about the size of New Jersey, approximately 165 miles north to south and 65 miles east to west. Central Israel is a strip only 15 miles wide! Try to defend that against unhappy neighbors.
Let me hurry to say I’m very concerned about the Palestinian dilemma. I’ve visited the region many times and have good Arab and Jewish friends there. We all long to see the needy helped in that region. But Mideast struggles go way back. Recall Ishmael and Isaac. Twins Jacob and Esau started fighting while still in the womb! Cousins Ammon, Moab, and Israel were longtime foes. There’s no quick fix to these conflicts.
Have you seen this banner? “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Shall Be Free.” Amazingly, many holding up that banner have no idea what it means. Most can’t name either the river or the sea.
You’ll hear apologists for this movement say the slogan only infers that Palestinians should have the same freedoms and rights as Israelis. We’d like that.
But to be clear, the second paragraph of Hamas’ revised charter describes Palestine’s geographical borders as “from the River Jordan in the east to the Mediterranean in the west….” In short, Israel wouldn’t exist.
I can’t offer a practical solution to this political morass, but we are taught to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6) This peace can only be fully accomplished when the Prince of Peace returns.
In the meantime:
1. We should want the best for all the inhabitants of the region. We can pray for sufferers on both sides of the conflict, and for those “in authority, that we [and they] may lead a quiet and peaceable life.” (1 Timothy 2:2)
Recently a friend from Nazareth sent us a letter headed with these words: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) He wrote, “We pray that those on both sides may know this wonderful verse in reality.”
2. Although we should stand with God’s ancient people, we need not agree with all that Israel’s leaders do. Not even Israelis agree! Nor should we be naive in thinking that what we hear in the news is always a fair description of the situation.
3. Don’t forget the Christians there. On both sides, they often face persecution. But God is at work in the Land, too. Many are finding true peace by putting their trust in the One who gave His life for us all just outside Jerusalem’s walls.
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Saturday, September 7, 2024.